Ginkgo
(Ginkgo biloba, Maidenhair tree)
General Description:
Deciduous tree that
produces a flower and a fruit that can
live up to 1,000 years.
Part
Used:
Leaf
Uses:
improve memory,
concentration
AD/HD individuals
improve circulation
especially in diabetics
SSRI-induced
impotency
alzheimer’s disease
asthma
antioxidant
hearing problems
Action: Contains a variety of
flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenolic acids. These produce platelet
activating antgonist, bronchoconstriction, antioxidants, vasodilator,
and increases
cerebral blood flow.
Dosage:
120-160 mg daily. (May take 1-2
months to be effective)
240 mg
daily for azheimers
60mg twice/day to 240mg twice daily
for sexual function.
0.5 ml of 1:5 tincture of leaf 3
times daily
Precautions/Adverse Effects: Well tolerated with rare, GI
symptoms, headaches, and vertigo. Ginkgo fruit
and seeds are toxic if ingested. Skin contact can produce dermatits.
Use cautiously with
anticoagulants. (warfarin, aspirin, NSAIDs)
One study reported bleeding into the
eye and another reported a spontaneous subdural hematoma.
Contraindications: Ginkgo allergy. Avoid
using in pregnancy, lactation and children, due to insufficient
information.
Nursing Considerations:
Warn patients that concomitant use with some herbs that have
coumarin constituents can affect platelet aggregation and increase the
risk of bleeding: angelica, chamomile, feverfew, garlic, ginger,
horse chestnut and others.
Especially in the elderly who may be on
anticoagulants and seek the benefits of gingko.
Warn patients who are on MAOIs that ginkgo can
potentate their activity.
Limit ingestion of
tyramine foods (cheeses, red wine) or sympathomimetic
agents.
Warn
patients that ginkgo is not a bronchodilator and is not a quick relief
medication. Will not work in an acute attack.
The precise mechanism of action is unclear,
but current research studies are encouraging. There are several
studies involving animals ongoing with respect to cognitive and
neuroprotective effects.
(References)
